Career Timeline of Youssef Zalal: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Youssef Zalal built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Youssef Zalal, born on September 4, 1996, is a Moroccan professional mixed martial artist. He competes in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of March 10, 2026, Zalal is ranked #7 in the UFC featherweight division.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

February 8, 2020: Promotional Debut at UFC 247

On February 8, 2020, Youssef Zalal made his promotional debut against Austin Lingo at UFC 247, winning by unanimous decision.

June 27, 2020: Fight at UFC on ESPN

On June 27, 2020, Youssef Zalal faced Jordan Griffin at UFC on ESPN: Poirier vs. Hooker, winning by unanimous decision.

August 8, 2020: Fight Night Victory

On August 8, 2020, Youssef Zalal faced Peter Barrett at UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Oleinik, winning by unanimous decision.

October 11, 2020: Loss to Ilia Topuria

On October 11, 2020, Youssef Zalal faced Ilia Topuria at UFC Fight Night 179, losing the fight via unanimous decision.

February 6, 2021: Loss to Seung Woo Choi

On February 6, 2021, Youssef Zalal faced Seung Woo Choi at UFC Fight Night 184, losing by unanimous decision.

June 5, 2021: Loss to Sean Woodson

On June 5, 2021, Youssef Zalal faced Sean Woodson at UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs. Sakai, losing the fight via split decision.

August 13, 2022: Fight ends in a draw

On August 13, 2022, Youssef Zalal was scheduled to face Cristian Quiñonez at UFC on ESPN: Vera vs. Cruz. However, Quiñonez was forced out of the event due to visa issues, and was replaced by Da'Mon Blackshear. The fight ended in a majority draw.

August 25, 2022: Release from UFC

On August 25, 2022, Youssef Zalal was released from the UFC.

November 18, 2022: Victory at Sparta 93

On November 18, 2022, Youssef Zalal triumphed over Edwin Chavez via TKO in the first round at Sparta 93.

January 20, 2023: Victory at SCL: Fight Night 14

On January 20, 2023, Youssef Zalal defeated Jake Childers by TKO in the first round at SCL: Fight Night 14 - King of Sparta Welterweight.

August 19, 2023: Victory at Sparta Combat League 98

On August 19, 2023, Youssef Zalal secured another victory by submitting Vadim Zadnipryanyi with an arm-triangle choke in the first round at Sparta Combat League 98.

March 23, 2024: Victory at UFC on ESPN 53

On March 23, 2024, Youssef Zalal faced Billy Quarantillo at UFC on ESPN 53, winning the bout by a rear-naked choke submission in the second round.

August 10, 2024: Performance of the Night Award

On August 10, 2024, Youssef Zalal faced Jarno Errens at UFC on ESPN 61, winning the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in the first round. He also earned a Performance of the Night award for this fight.

November 2, 2024: Another Performance of the Night Award

On November 2, 2024, Youssef Zalal faced Jack Shore at UFC Fight Night 246, winning the fight via an arm-triangle choke in the second round. This fight earned him another Performance of the Night award.